Frequently Asked Questions

Dog training allows you to essentially bake a cake you love, instead of having to unbake a cake you may not be so fond of. Being proactive about teaching your dog obedience prevents such issues from forming before they need to be unbaked at all. Positive reinforcement of positive behaviors at an early age eliminates the potential need for more aversive methods once problem behaviors have fully formed.

Teaching them a well rounded skill set of behaviors gives them confidence in otherwise intimidating situations, and the common goal you both share in them performing these behaviors increases bonding and trust. This experience of shared objectives not only helps your dog understand you and your expectations better, but also allows you to understand them and their motivations better.

Training your dog is a great form of mental and physical stimulation for your dog that engages biologically relevant senses such as sight, hearing, and smell, helps them develop problem solving skills, as well as the persistence and focus required to solve such problems. Every time your dog learns something new and is reinforced for it, a new neural pathway is being unlocked!

My hands on experience is incredibly diverse. I've worked with dogs in a doggie daycares, veterinary environments, both private and group class training, and most recently at the KC Pet Project Shelter. Seeing dogs in so many different social situations has taught me so much about how different life experiences shape their predisposed behavior, and what motivations may be relevant to their learning and development. The extensive literature I'veread from brilliant minds such as Patricia McConnell

I've also had the experience of working with exotic species at varying zoos and sanctuaries, having trained farm animals, primates, otters, and birds. The very first animal who I formally trained to perform a new behavior was in fact a goat! My years in this field gives me a set of outside-the-box methods that transition smoothly to dog training, and are often fun for owners to implement as well. I pride myself on always having four or five possible methods for any given training goal, and not a

Want to meet at a hardware store? At a dog park? At your own home? Want to come to my home? You name it. As long as you are in the greater KC area, I will come to you and work with you and your dog, wherever you feel comfortable, wherever you feel is most productive for your dog. And as mentioned above, if one method doesn't work to reach your training goals, we will keep trying new methods until we find one that does!

All I need for you to provide is a leash and collar for your dog during our session, your full vaccination records, and a bag of high value treats. I recommend three or four different kind of treats mixed together. The power of random novelty during training can make a very big difference!

Yes! Ultimately, as your dogs' owner, you are the real dog trainer for your specific dog. Your presence is just as important as your dogs' presence. Dog training is only successful if you are able to apply to skills you learn in training sessions in your own home environment. All the credit goes to you any time you successfully reach a training goal: I can point to a wall, but you're the one who tears it down!

Yes! However many primary members of your household you possibly can bring to a training session is encouraged. Every figure in your dogs everyday life is accountable for setting expectations.

The following items are not allowed during training sessions with me:

-Shock collars

-Slip collars

-Retractable leashes

-Startle tools (ie a dog whistle)

Some of these items may be relevant for certain dogs with issues that are behind my qualifications. If you are dealing with a dog showing defensive or offensive aggression towards people or other dogs, seek the help of a behavioral consultant

As mentioned directly above, the only behavioral issue I cannot help with is defensive/offensive aggression towards people or other dogs. This is something you will need to contact a behavioral consult in regards to. Otherwise, I can help with basic obedience, nuisance behaviors, separation anxiety, non aggressive resource guarding, etc.

For puppy classes, or packages of six lessons, refunds are no longer available after having attended three classes/lessons. For a package of four lessons, they are no longer available after attending two lessons. Otherwise, refunds ARE available for all other cases.